Climbing Roses

Climbing roses need pruning to encourage strong new growth and plenty of flowers. Start by removing any dead, damaged or diseased stems right back to healthy wood. Next, thin out any very old or weak shoots to keep the plant open and well aired. The main flowering stems should be shortened by about a third, cutting just above an outward-facing bud. Side shoots coming off the main framework can be trimmed back to two or three buds. This keeps the plant tidy while focusing energy on flower production.

The main pruning time is late autumn to winter, just after flowers have faded. This gives the rose time to put on fresh growth before flowering. Light tidying, such as removing spent flowers or very long whippy shoots, can also be done in summer if needed.

Training is just as important as pruning. New long shoots should be tied in horizontally or at a gentle angle rather than straight up. This encourages more flowering shoots to form along the stem, giving a fuller display from top to bottom. Use soft garden ties and check them regularly so they do not cut into the stems as they thicken. Walls, fences, trellises and arches all work well as supports.

Yes, climbing roses can be grown successfully in pots, as long as the container is large enough. Choose a deep, sturdy pot with good drainage and use a soil-based compost. Position the pot close to a wall, trellis or obelisk so the rose can be trained properly. Regular watering and feeding are essential, as container-grown roses dry out and use nutrients more quickly than those in the ground.

Most climbing roses flower from late spring into summer, typically from June onwards. Many modern varieties are repeat-flowering, producing further flushes of blooms right through to early autumn if deadheaded regularly. Older rambling types often flower just once, but put on a spectacular early summer show.

The best planting time is autumn, from October to November, while the soil is still warm and roots can establish before winter. Spring planting, from March to April, also works well, especially for potted plants. Avoid planting when the ground is frozen or waterlogged.

Yes, climbing roses are perennial plants and will return year after year. With proper planting, feeding and annual pruning, they become stronger and more impressive over time, often improving in both size and flower coverage.